Tropical Storm Helene Causes Widespread Damage and Power Outages in Newberry and Saluda Counties

Tropical Storm Helene Hits Newberry and Saluda Counties Hard

NEWBERRY, S.C. — The recent incursion of Tropical Storm Helene has left a noticeable mark on the communities of Newberry and Saluda Counties, compelling local officials to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety. With significant damages reported throughout the area, both counties have implemented a curfew to manage the aftermath of the storm.

State of Emergency Declared

In a decisive move, Newberry County Council Chairman Todd Johnson declared a state of emergency late Friday afternoon. Accompanying this decision, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster and Public Safety Director Tommy Long executed a curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM, aimed primarily at protecting residents and preventing further chaos. Essential workers, including those involved in local business operations and first responders, will be exempt from this order, allowing them to continue their crucial roles in assisting the community.

Meanwhile, Saluda County has also initiated a curfew from 6:30 PM to 8 AM, reflecting their commitment to managing safety during this turbulent time. Officials in both counties expressed that the rationale behind these measures is twofold: to protect vulnerable businesses and individuals from opportunistic crime and to safeguard the brave workers endeavoring to restore power and services.

Power Outages and Dangerous Conditions

As a direct consequence of the storm, data from PowerOutage.us reported that nearly all residents in both counties found themselves without electricity by Friday afternoon. This widespread outage didn’t just leave many homes in the dark; it also caused traffic lights to fail, leading to dangerous driving conditions on roads already affected by storm debris.

Authorities have raised concerns about the ongoing situation, stating, “There are still trees falling and trees in the road that may not be identified in the dark.” It’s clear that the curfew is implemented with a strong focus on public safety, and officials have urged residents to comply for their own well-being and that of emergency personnel.

Widespread Destruction

Reflecting on the impact of the storm, Sheriff Foster remarked that the damage observed was unlike anything in his 35-year tenure as sheriff. Describing the situation as “mass destruction,” he painted a somber picture of the landscape, urging residents to assess the reality of the destruction that surrounds them.

In light of these events, community members are encouraged to stay informed about recovery efforts and adhere to the curfews put in place. During this difficult time, local leaders are relying on residents to act responsibly, understanding the necessity behind these safety measures.

The Road to Recovery

As residents hunker down, the focus shifts to recovery efforts. Local officials are working tirelessly to restore power services and clear roads, ensuring that essential utilities are brought back online. It’s a major undertaking, but with a united community effort, Newberry and Saluda Counties can emerge from this difficult phase stronger than ever.

With uncertainty still lingering in the air, the community is reminded to look out for one another and support those who are working diligently to reinstate normalcy in their lives. Caution is the name of the game as recovery is initiated, and each individual’s cooperation will play a pivotal role in making things right again.

Stay Tuned for Updates

As the storm’s effects are evaluated, and power and services are gradually restored, residents are encouraged to stay up to date with local advisories. Although the road ahead may be challenging, the spirit of resilience within the community can undoubtedly navigate through this storm, emerging with stories of hope and determination.

For now, let’s keep our heads up and look forward to brighter days ahead!